Shadows and Ash: Pulp Friction 2014 Finale

by Harner, Laura

  “Don’t worry, Charlie. I think this might help put some of the issues around here to rest.” He passed a significant look with Driscoll, who turned his head and stared at the front desk.

  Scott made his way to the front entrance, a question on his face. “Detective? To what do we owe the honor of this visit, especially on Christmas Eve afternoon—if there’s such a term…” He motioned the two officers and the insurance investigator in. “Can I offer you some coffee or hot chocolate? We were just decorating the tree for the kids. I promise we checked the plugs and strands of lights out first, Mr. Driscoll. It’s safe. No fire hazard here.” His face remained impassive, but his tone was acid.

  “Thank you, but no.” Andy smoothly stepped between Scott and Driscoll. Charlie’s temper rose in defense of his friend as he thought about the insurance adjuster’s attempts to railroad Scott and put him in jail for his own personal agenda. His fists clenched, then strong hands massaged his shoulders, rubbing away at the tension building there. Leaning back, he smelled Amos’s unique scent—citrus, wood, and spice—and began to relax.

  “Then why are you all here? This couldn’t wait until after the holiday?” Scott’s gaze moved back and forth between the detectives and Driscoll.

  Shifting from the balls of his feet to his heels, Andy shook his head. “We’ve just come from Frank Watson’s place next door. I’m afraid Mr. Watson’s dead.”

  Amos’s hands tightened on Charlie’s neck, then stilled. The air in the room suddenly charged with tension. After a long moment, his fingers stroked down Charlie’s back and massaged. “What happened? He was fine the other day.”

  “He was working near the back of the property where the fire was, and wanted us to tell Scott he was willing to buy the lodge. Was it an accident? He was talking about grading off some of his land for a bunkhouse for his men.” Charlie bit down on his tongue to stop the jibber-jabber.

  Raising one eyebrow, Andy—Detective Graves—slowly shook his head. “No, Charlie. Excuse me for a minute. Miss Dillon? I have some news about your father’s murder, too, if you’d like to go somewhere else…

  “This is my family,” she said, straightening her shoulders, her gaze flickering over to Siggy, then landing on Scott. “Tell us what we need to know.”

  Andy nodded. “We have reason to believe Watson was responsible for Carl Rademacher’s murder. As part of the investigation into your father’s death, we conducted a search of his room at Frank Watson’s place—you were aware Carl was living and working there?”

  Jilly nodded but kept her lips pressed tightly together.

  “Evidence discovered, along with an anonymous tip was sufficient to get us a search warrant. We discovered a weapon matching your father’s wounds during a search of Watson’s property. We were unable to tie him to the crime with motive and opportunity; however, we elevated him to what we refer to as a person of interest. I know we asked you this yesterday, but we need to tie up some loose ends—you wouldn’t know of any reason someone would want to kill your father, would you?”

  There were no furtive glances, no quick inhalations, no gasps. Just Jillian’s flat response. “None.”

  Andy nodded once, as if that was the answer he’d been expecting. “Your answer is in line with everything we’ve discovered. I just had to be sure. Watson was supposed to appear at the station this morning to make a formal statement. When he didn’t show, officers went to his place and found him dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot.”

  Charlie heard a snort from the insurance guy, and Grave’s voice took on an edge. “The coroner will confirm. However, he left a note—” He took Charlie’s arm and led him farther away from Driscoll and toward Jillian.

  “He confessed that he and Carl worked together to set the fires here on Mountain Shadows. In his note he claims Carl threatened to expose him, and he was determined to stay out of jail. Records indicate he wanted to buy the land for some kind of hunting camp. Apparently, he hoped to draw attention and get one of those reality shows like those guys with the beards and ducks and all that.

  “So what does it all mean for Scott and the ‘case’ against him?” Charlie locked gazes with Driscoll, who turned red and ground his teeth. “If Watson confessed to the fires and all, I mean. Doesn’t that clear everyone here from any wrongdoing?”

  Graves nodded his head. “Between us? As far as the Flagstaff Police Department is concerned, the case will be closed pending the coroner’s findings. Mr. Driscoll?” His voice was sharp when he spoke the insurance agent’s name. No love lost there.

  “Given the circumstances,” Driscoll said, “American Farms and Ranches will accept the finding of the Flagstaff PD.” His face wrinkled like he’d bit down on a slice of lemon. Driscoll looked around the room, and Charlie noticed blank stares, offering the man nothing. “I don’t like this one bit. However, we are prepared to pay your claims in full and close the case.”

  “You might want to speak with your attorney prior to accepting any offer from the insurance company,” Amos offered. “We have ample evidence Driscoll colluded with the fire management officer and should have notified his company of his personal connection to the case. My guess is you’ll find American Farms still isn’t even aware their agent had a conflict of interest. You could be looking at a seven-figure settlement.”

  “You don’t need to do that,” Driscoll said, his voice a little breathless. “Mr. McGregor, I’m certain I can get your premiums adjusted, since…uh…none of the fires were your fault.” Driscoll took a tentative step toward the door, as it appeared to finally dawn on him just how much trouble he could be in. “I will have your check delivered by courier after the holiday. I…uh…need to get home to my family. Gentlemen. Uh…lady,” he added with a nod toward Jilly. His voice held no echo of the sarcastic tone he’d used earlier. Without another word, Driscoll spun on his heel and left.

  Detective Graves turned to Scott and Jilly, offering a weak smile. “I apologize for all the…inconvenience, and for having to deliver the news on Christmas Eve. But I thought you’d like to know. And frankly, we’re glad to get that creep out of our hair and offices. He’s a right pain in the…well, let’s just say he won’t be missed around the PD.” Offering his hand first to Scott, he then moved to Jillian. “Your father’s body should be released by the end of the week, did you want—”

  Robby stepped forward, a business card in his hand. “You can contact me as soon as you hear anything.”

  When Jilly nodded her approval, Andy took the card and turned to go. “Good to see you again, Charlie. I hope everything is going well for you.” Shaking Charlie’s hand, the detective gathered his partner and left, quietly closing the door behind him.

  Scott stepped close to Jilly and took her hand, spinning her around to face him, before pulling her into a bear hug. Robby wrapped his arms around the both of them, his smile wide and his happiness written across his face. Charlie swallowed against a huge lump in his throat. This was family. “It’s over. I can’t believe it’s all over,” Scott whispered.

  Charlie felt Amos’s arms slide around his middle and hold him tight, his warm breath in his ear. “It is all over, love. Whatever question you’re thinking about asking…let it go.”

  Nodding slowly, Charlie let his head fall back against Amos’s shoulder and ceded it all to the gods. It was over. Jillian was free from her father, Scott was cleared and would get his settlement, and Mountain Shadows was safe. It was enough.

  Finn cleared his throat. “I think Cannon and I will go home for a bit to get ready for the evening. Mick? Would you and Rowen like to join us in an hour for a pre-celebration glass of wine before we head back?”

  “An excellent suggestion,” Mick answered promptly, grabbing his boyfriend’s hand and heading toward the door. Finn walked to the door, grabbing his and Cannon’s coats, and Charlie watched as he dressed his lover carefully. The two pairs left, Mick’s voice cutting through the other voices in the room.

  Charlie stood for a mo
ment, luxuriating in Amos’s embrace before Amos leaned down and whispered in his ear that perhaps they, too, could use an hour together to celebrate privately. Suddenly Charlie’s heart and soul ached, and he nodded. “Just let me go tell Scott we’re going to go get cleaned up, and that we’ll be back for the party in a bit.”

  “No need, love.” Amos nodded toward the fireplace. Scott and Jillian were holding hands, whispering forehead to forehead. Siggy and Robby stood to the side, Siggy gesturing wildly, even though his words were whispered, too. Both men were smiling broadly at whatever they were plotting.

  When he turned back to Amos, he saw an outstretched hand calling him forward and a smile that felt like a caress. As he grabbed Amos and took the few steps to the front door, opening it and stepping outside into the cold winter evening, Charlie had a moment of sudden clarity—everything will be okay now.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Jillian looked around the great room to make certain everything was ready for their party. The lights from the Christmas tree reflected off the floor to ceiling windows, a fire burned in the hearth, and fresh cut greenery draped from the second floor balcony. The three conversational seating areas had been rearranged and made it less of a lodge and more like a family gathering. She placed one tray of cookies on a side table and another near the stone fireplace. The room looked and smelled like the holidays.

  Pushing up the sleeves of her sweater, she automatically checked her watch. It was time…and as if on cue, the front door to the lodge banged open. Finn and Cannon stepped through, followed closely by Mick and more slowly by Rowe. Excited squeals from down the hallway announced the arrival of Scott and Robby—plus Sam, Kat, and Maddie, who’d spent the afternoon at the garage apartment. Charlie, Amos, and Damon trailed down the hall behind them.

  As the room filled with conversation and laughter, Jillian’s gaze drifted over those gathered, looking for the one person she’d been waiting to see. Disappointment flooded through her when she realized Siggy wasn’t here. Maybe he wasn’t coming after all…

  “Hey, little sister,” Rob said. He draped an arm over her shoulder and turned her toward the hallway. “I know I said you weren’t supposed to be working, but…”

  Laughing, Jillian shook her head at the man who’d become the big brother she’d always wanted. “What do you need this time?”

  As they stepped into the kitchen, Robby held a hand to his heart. “You wound me…”

  She snorted and rolled her eyes.

  “Okay, it’s only a flesh wound,” he admitted. “Scott and I bought some champagne, could you give me a hand?”

  “Ooh la la…champagne? What are we celebrating?” She retrieved a tray and some glasses, while Robby found some wine buckets and filled them with ice.

  “Do we need more of a reason than the news we got earlier? Hmm…I’ll have to see what I can drum up.”

  “No, I suppose not—I really can’t believe it’s all over.” She hefted the tray and watched as Robby tucked a bucket under each arm before grabbing a towel from the rack. “Hey, Robby? You don’t know where Siggy went after the…announcement, do you? He wasn’t upset I was talking to Scotty?”

  “No clue. Did you call him?” Robby asked as he walked past her, heading back toward the great room.

  “I did. He…uh…didn’t answer.”

  “Hmm. Well, he lives across town, maybe he went home and crashed. He’s probably tired of driving out here all the time.” Rob walked faster and Jillian practically had to run to keep up.

  When she stepped into the great room, her steps faltered and she nearly dropped the tray of glasses. In front of the tree, someone—Siggy—had placed a small garden-sized wooden bench, obviously one of his handmade creations. The bench had been painted white and gold swirls added a flourish. A red and gold seat cushion gave the whole thing a festive touch—as did Maddie.

  Looking as if she was posing for a Christmas portrait, her daughter sat on one half of the cushion wearing a green velvet dress, white socks, and black patent leather shoes. Her curls had been clipped into barrettes with white bows. Siggy stood to the side, wearing dark slacks and a green sweater to match Maddie’s dress. His long blond hair was neatly combed and tucked behind his ears, tanned face clean-shaven, and his normally broad smile was replaced by something that left him looking as if he might throw up.

  Scott took the tray from Jillian and nudged her forward. Maddie, looking far more confident than Siggy, patted the seat next to her. “Come on, Mommy. Me and Siggy have a pro-po-sal,” she said, carefully enunciating each word.

  There was nervous laughter and a few awws as Jillian shuffled forward on feet that weighed a hundred pounds each. She kept her gaze locked on Siggy’s, his crystal blue eyes drawing her closer, steadying her nerves.

  “Sit?” he croaked. Then he cleared his throat and tried again. “Ahem…would you have a seat, Jillian?”

  Her lips trembled so she nodded instead of speaking and a thousand butterflies took flight in the pit of her stomach. As soon as she was seated, Maddie scooted over close enough she was practically in her lap. Jillian wrapped an arm around her squirming daughter, swallowed around the lump in her throat, then looked up at Siggy with stinging eyes.

  Siggy dropped to one knee and took her hand in his. “You too, Little Bit,” he said to Maddie, and she thought her heart might burst with joy when her daughter put her hand on top of their joined ones.

  “Jilly honey…from the first moment I saw you, I knew there was something special. I’ve only grown more certain of my feelings as time has gone on. You and Maddie mean everything to me. I’ve asked Robby for permission— Will you marry me? Make a family with me—be my forever?”

  “And me too,” Maddie added.

  “Yes, sweetheart, you too. I want you both in my life forever.”

  “Yes,” Jillian managed to gasp out. She looked toward a beaming Rob, then back at Siggy. “Yes. Yes, we will.”

  Siggy reached into his pocket and came out with a black velvet box. Jillian’s heart thudded so hard she thought everyone in the room could hear. When he popped open the top, there was a slim platinum band with a blue sapphire surrounded by a nest of fine diamonds. The ring looked tiny in his big rough hands, but when he slipped it on her finger, the setting was beautiful.

  “Oh, Siggy, it’s lovely. The sapphire reminds me of your eyes…”

  The fine lines at the corners of his eyes fanned out as he smiled. “I was hoping you’d say that.” He took the box and pulled a small tab to reveal another piece of jewelry tucked underneath. A child-sized necklace with a matching heart pendant.

  “You did say yes, right, Maddie?”

  “Oh…yes. Is that for me?”

  “You bet, sweetheart.” Maddie squirmed from Jillian’s lap and threw her arms around Siggy, knocking him onto the floor. Jillian’s mouth twitched as she fought a laugh. Then she thought what the heck, and she joined her daughter on the floor as they fell all over the man they loved.

  ****

  The lodge was full of people, and Damon was a little uncomfortable and a whole lot nervous especially after the sweet way Siggy proposed to Jilly. He loved Siggy like he was his own big brother, and Jilly was just too damned perfect for him. Charlie and Amos were snuggled up together on one of the sofas in front of the huge fireplace, and Damon felt a little jealous, but mostly he was happy for his big ox of a brother. The man had dropped everything and raised Damon like his own. While Damon gave him constant shit—mostly out of confusion and guilt over his own feelings and bisexuality, he knew now that he loved his brother with a fierceness that surprised him sometimes.

  And he and Amos had a bond that he didn’t think could ever be broken. While he was trapped in Chip McNair’s secret room, naked and hurting, Amos had shown up, overpowered Chip, and freed Damon from his prison. He owed the man his life, and while he busted his balls on a regular basis—someone had to take the Suit down a notch or two—he loved the man almost as much as he did Charlie.
r />   Which was why he was so nervous.

  He’d put it off since he and Siggy and Maddie had been back from Colorado skiing, but he knew now was the time to sack up and tell the two most important people in his life what he’d done.

  Forcing himself to his feet, he made his way on wobbly legs over the couch and forced himself in between Charlie and Amos.

  “What the hell, little man? Isn’t there room on any of the other chairs for you to sit? It’s Christmas Eve, and Amos and I love you to death, but really? Wasn’t Gina able to come over for the party? I know you were gonna ask her, and if she doesn’t have a ride, I’ll—”

  “I need to talk to you and Amos.” Damon couldn’t meet their gazes. “Really, it’s Amos I need to tell something.”

  He could feel more than see Charlie and Amos exchange a look over his head, and he almost rolled his eyes at him. That, more than anything, gave him the courage to go on.

  “Okay. Well, Suit, you know I’m a little shit and can’t help but get into trouble, right?”

  Amos put an arm over his shoulders, drawing him close. “You do not have to be afraid to tell me anything, young Damon. We are family now, no? You know my secrets, and I know yours.” He leaned in close, so it was just he and Damon. “I promise, my young friend, I will not be mad at anything you did. How can I be? I have your brother, Scott and Rob are safe and happy, and even you have found someone to warm your arms. So tell me whatever it is.”

  Damon’s whole body went hot, and his eyes burned with tears he refused to allow to fall. Damn the man. Just…damn him for a fucker.

  “Here’s the deal.” Damon took a deep breath and jumped in with both feet. “While Sig and Jilly and Maddie and I were gone, I had an idea. And since we all know how some of my ideas turn out”—he turned and smiled weakly at Charlie, laying his head on his shoulder—“I decided to run it past Siggy. And he thought it was good. So I did it.”

  The silence hung in the air. Charlie finally broke it. “What did you do, little man, and will I have to go hunt Siggy down and kick his ass and get Jilly pissed off at me?”